Exploring the harmony between grace and power, our Malt Master pays homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships, by finishing this supreme maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White, and Tawny port casks. Reigniting our own passion for exploration, this unusual combination of casks brings uncanny balance to a tumultuous Talisker.
Nose: Mellow and drying, with a touch of spice once itsettles down. The top notes are of sticky malt loaf withsultanas and dates as dried fruits lead the way, soon fading to become more maritime, with clean sea air, sea salt, and sand dunes. Surging through this come mineral notes of chalk and a light, winey hint of macerated grape skins. At first, just a suggestion of peat smoke runs underneath, although the aroma becomes much smokier when water is added.
Body: Medium to full.
Palate: A creamy-smooth mouthfeel introduces a powerful taste with lightly sweet notes and hints of rich fruit. This soon becomes very salty, then intensely peppery and gunpowder smoky. The taste is almost as powerful with a good dash of water, which accentuates the saltiness.
Finish: Long, finishing spicy with the trademark catch of chili pepper, which tends here toward mouth-cooling Sichuan pepper.